Expanded carers' centre reopens

The centre helps people such as Katie, whose daughter needs 24-hour care

A charity which supports carers in Oxford has opened newly extended premises in the city.

Oxford Carers Centre, on the Cowley Road, offers free counselling and confidential advice as well as alternative therapies for carers.

The centre now offers facilities for young carers with a special room where they can talk and prepare food as well as do homework on computers.

It now also has extra rooms to offer more private counselling.

It was officially opened by the lord mayor, Councillor Susanna Pressel.

Pamela Woolley from the centre said with the number of carers increasing year-on-year and it was getting harder to look after them.

"It was becoming increasingly difficult to see people in any sort of confidential space.

"Often people come in an they are quite distressed about their personal or financial situation and they may need to talk so now we can offer that which is incredibly important."

She said the extension would mean the centre could offer more activities such as complementary therapies and groups during evenings and weekends.

It is estimated there are 50,000 carers in Oxfordshire, and that experts say that number is rising.